SAAB 900 Turbo - the best 80s classic car to buy?!

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SAAB 900 - the best 80s classic car?

The SAAB 900 is a car which comes in two generations: you’ve got the first running from 1978 until 1994 and then you’ve got second gen which feels relatively short-lived in comparison, because that only then runs on until 1998. It’s worth noting here that the Turbo wasn’t available until 1979 and the convertible Turbo is available from 1986.

SAAB really knew what they were doing with this one and designed not only for their core audience, but thought of the American market too, which is why you’ll note that longer nose. Well, that’s partially the reason.

This generation is built on the SAAB 99 chassis which had preceeded the 900 and of course, things had moved on since the 99 and the longer nose not only allowed for the turbo-charged engines and air con which wasn’t available when they’d designed the 99 but also to meet American crash regulations.

You’ll notice throughout this video that SAAB get things just right on pretty much every account and the Americans were so pleased with the design they billed the 900 as one of the safest cars around, or the US Highway Loss Data Institute certainly did.

That wasn’t the only accolade coming from the US, because the magazine American Car and Driver named the 16v engine as the best engine - not sure what it was up against but a SAAB brochure of the time proudly touted this as fact.

Although engines vary according to the year you go for, from 1985 onwards you get the 16-valve engine if you pump for the 900s or Turbo as we’ve got today. If you were watching the pennies and went for the basic 900 model, you got the earlier 8 valve engine.

In the earlier models, pre 1984 and I imagine, some stragglers which got registered late on, you get the B engine which is actually a Triumph derived design. Go later than this, and you’re going to be getting the Saab H engine, which was a redesign of that B engine.

So being the Turbo and a little more fancy than your base model, we’ve got the 2 litre 16v in this. That gives us 0-60 in 9 seconds and 145bhp, which is more than enough for a thrilling ride in a convertible.

The engine was then paired with a 4 or 5 speed manual, 3 speed Borg Warner or t-37 auto.

It wasn’t just the engine which upgraded throughout the production of the SAAB 900 Classic and the long run of the first gen meant a facelift was inevitable and SAAB undertook this in 1987. That’s when you see the new headlights, grille and bumpers.

There were in total around 200,000 first generation turbos and 50,000 convertibles and many survive today due to SAAB’s excellent build quality and high regard amongst motorists with a keen eye for a car which will last.
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I’ve driven Saabs for 40 years. I currently have 2 - a 1991 900 SPG turbo and a 2001 Viggen convertible. Saabs are wonderful cars!

TheBTG
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The 1980's SAAB interiors were awesome.. the seats were so comfortable.. like an aeroplane comfort !!

JimTimber
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“Oh my God!” *small gasp. “Wow. Oh wow’ Steph that was an absolutely brilliant reaction to the turbo kicking in!!

craigburman
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Great review of one of my favourite cars. I like many others miss Saab, much better than today's bland offerings.

JohnEvans-zokk
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"Until next time, take care and drive safely" ( as Steph buries the loud pedal into the carpet..) 😂

rogermaybank
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I had a bright red SAAB 99 Turbo back in 1981, what a car! I used to regularly drive from Germany where I was stationed, to Hertfordshire and it just ate up the miles, it was so comfortable and really did deserve to be called drivers car, unlike a certain make that uses that tagline!

pauld
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One of the best Saab's ever made, I've owned 6 Saab's, 4 of which were the classic 900 ❤

chrisbury
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Being a mid 70s boy, I'm a sucker for these 900s and would love to own one now. I was a teen when they were fairly new....but its parts that hold me back...love em❤

christosthomasraounas
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My mum used to have a Saab 9000 Carlsson. The main thing I remember about it is the robustness of the leather seats. Much better than modern cars today!

Peterpss
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I Drive a 2010 95 Aero still one of the last build it even has the playstation screen! I love it to bits, it goes like a rocket very sure footed!

davidjones
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Probably my favourite SAAB - I've not seen one for years

tbeau
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Loved this Steph thank you. We’ve had 4 Saab turbos in the family over the years. Absolutely solid as a rock and the Turbo kick in is fantastic !😂 As you discovered. Great family car and took us all over Europe travelling without a hitch. Even rear ended by a van and not a scratch or dent on our car! Built like a tank 💜🇬🇧

LaceyMad
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The OG 900 was the benchmark for the others back in the day . Owned 1 a few years ago had many OG 93s Inc currently for 4 years .Best car ever had ❤

richardmaddog
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Always such a cool car! The golden age of motoring for sure. A great review!

pauldeacy
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Really miss this iconic brand, ao wished they were still with us. Great review as usual do enjoy your reviews of modern classics

planet_s
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I drove Saabs for almost 30 years consciously from 99s to 9-3s and all 2/3 doors but no convertibles with the classic 900s being my favourites. Strangely I drive a little convertible sports car now.

awc
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Remember the TV advert?
"Sierra. Alpha. Alpha. Bravo."
Whoooosh! ✈️👀
Nice...

EleanorPeterson
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I recall first seeing these 900 models at the 1980 British Motor Show at the NEC. The crazy velour interior really drew me in. These were very popular where I lived in Germany. The visibility out the windows was simply beautiful. The "night mode" was cool; almost all the instrument lighting could be dimmed and even shut off to aid night time driving. The engines of the early '80s ones sounded a bit agricultural compared to my Honda, but they felt like they could last forever. The cabrio was THE model to get, though I liked the 4-door saloons for their practicality. I miss seeing these a lot. Mahalo for bringing back a fond memory.

jimcabezola
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Much better interior than most new cars.

MarkJVSomers
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I had the 9000.. another lovely motor !.. lovely dress btw !! Awesome review !!..watching now !!

JimTimber